Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas

Camp on Shortoff Mountain in the Linville Gorge

04/05/16

The "road" in is an unmarked, one lane, gravel ordeal so potholed it will make your car rock like it's in a Jeep commercial. Follow it all the way to the end (past the rusted "no motor vehicles beyond this point" sign if you take your eyes off the road to spot it on a tree) where you'll find a cul-de-sac and large signpost marking the trail head. The hike up is quite exposed to the sun but affords great views of Lake James below. As you near the top, the path rounds the rim of the gorge, revealing a network of cliffs. Visiting out of season offers the convenience of no permits, but the cliffs look best when contrasted against fully green trees. Prime campsites abound along the ridge, but the best (read: "most exposed") is about 2.5-3 miles or <1 hour up. Just past a pond, an unmarked fork breaks off perpendicular to the left. Follow this to the edge for a wide open spot with a perfect view of Table Rock Mountain. Be aware though, the wind along the gorge rim can kick up instantly and with alarming force (gusting 30+mph the night we stayed). Use the heavy fireplace rocks to weigh down your tent stakes or choose a more protected site if you'd rather not lay wake all night wondering if the tent poles will snap. Arriving for sunset behind the opposite rim is best and avoids making the exposed ascent in direct sunlight. Bear encounters are possible (if less likely than in the Smokies), so practice proper food protocol. Finally, trails in the Gorge Wilderness area are mostly unmarked, so take extra care and a map.

5.0